DRAFT

Syllabus: Dram S-21: Improvisational Acting

Farkus Hall Studio TuTh 12:00pm – 3:00pm


2019 Summer:
Seven-week session: June 25 – August 8
Classes begin: Tuesday, June 26
Final Exams & last class meetings: Tuesday, August 6 – Thursday, August 8
(Note: classes will not be held on Thursday, July 4th)

Professor: John Kuntz

Course Requirements and Rules

Come to class on time.
Participate fully in the in-class exercises.
Dress in clothes you feel comfortable moving in.

In this course, students will work on physical and vocal invention, exploring the many ways and
styles in which dynamic and compelling stories can be told. We will aim to heighten imagination
and observation, build confidence, and enhance extemporaneous speech and thought through
exercises, exploring impulses, and imaginative courage. Techniques used will include both
individual and group activities, Grotowski and Spolin exercises, Viewpoints, and more.

The course will be divided into four quarters.

QUARTER 1:
In the first quarter (3 to 3½ class sessions), the students will explore
improvisational techniques through exercises that strengthen awareness of physical
expression. The class will continue to sharpen the imagination, explore imaginative
impulses, and to establish a performance format within the group.

QUARTER 2:
The second quarter will focus on the powers of observation and of recreating and
reinterpreting the things we see around us daily. We will begin to create narratives
using mimicry and physical expression, “finding” what is unique in the ordinary. We
will begin to trust in our ability to create dynamic and compelling stories.

QUARTER 3:
In the third quarter we will explore the many ways and styles in which a story can
be told. Our aim is to sharpen the wit and extemporaneous speech and thought.

QUARTER 4:
By the fourth and final quarter the students (and the group) should have the
courage to start a performance without knowing where it will end up. Students will
perform solo and together in assignments that draw on everything they have
learned from the body of the course.

ATTENDANCE:
• This is a participatory, studio class and being present and on time is not only courteous, it is
essential.
• ***In order to receive an A grade in this class you need to have perfect attendance. Please
note, however, that having perfect attendance does not GUARANTEE you an A (please see
GRADING criteria below).***
• Two absences will lower your final grade one full letter; each additional absence will lower
 your grade another full letter. Two instances of being late will be counted as an absence.
• Due to time constraints, no special arrangements can be made to make up missed assignments
or classes.
• Please, NEVER miss class when a performance assignment is due; you will receive a “zero”
for that assignment and, again, will not be able to make it up.

GRADING:
Each of you will be evaluated and graded on an individual basis not in comparison to other students in the
class. I understand that every student does not start the course with comparable skills or experience.
What I am looking for primarily is growth, improvement and a general openness and willingness to
engage with the material you will be introduced to.
Grading Criteria:
• A—Excellent. Always well prepared, highly motivated and willing to try new things.
Student makes extraordinary growth during the semester. Active, vocal contributor to class
and responsible scene partner. Always punctual, no absences.
• B—Good. Well prepared, pursues improvement and is motivated. Notable growth in skills
during semester. Positive contributor to class. Generally punctual. Good attendance—no
more than 2 absences.
• C—Acceptable to Good. Generally prepared with satisfactory growth in skills and
knowledge during semester, but with room for improvement. Sporadically contributes to
class. Not always present or on time.
• D—Unacceptable to Acceptable. Below Average. Minimal effort. Often not prepared.
Shows little interest. Very little skill and knowledge growth during semester. Seldom
contributes to class and has a negative attitude. Sometimes late; several absences.
• F—Largely Unacceptable. Rarely prepared with no interest in self-improvement and not
motivated. No growth in skills and knowledge. Does not contribute to class; negative
attitude. Not punctual; many absences.

A Note: I reserve the right to alter the syllabus should time or progress necessitate.

For Harvard policies on academic integrity and student responsibilities, please refer to this link:
http://www.summer.harvard.edu/policies/student-responsibilities
For students with accessibility issues please use the following link for information: http://
www.summer.harvard.edu/resources-policies/accessibility-services